Coba Ruins: Introduction

168km (104 miles) SW of Cancɐn

Older than most of Chichȳn Itzȥ and much larger than Tulum, Cobȥ was the dominant city of the eastern Yucatȥn before A.D. 1000. The site is large and spread out, with thick forest growing between the temple groups. Rising high above the forest canopy are tall and steep pyramids of the Classic Maya style. Of the major sites, this one is the least reconstructed and so disappoints those who expect another Chichȳn Itzȥ. The stone sculpture here has worn off and has become impossible to make out. But the structures themselves and the surrounding jungle and twin lakes make the experience enjoyable. This is not a cenote area, and the water has nowhere to go but stay on the surface. The forest canopy is also higher than in the northern part of the peninsula.